Ginarte.comhttp://www.ginarte.com
Ginarte.comTue, 03 Mar 2015 18:01:34 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1Teen drivers: Another concern for parentshttp://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/teen-drivers-another-concern-for-parents/
http://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/teen-drivers-another-concern-for-parents/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 20:40:29 +0000http://www.ginarte.com/?p=16559By: Bruno Brunini, Esq. Remember when your children with little babies? My children were littler than most, since they were born three (3) months premature. You are always watching out for their well-being. Wondering how are you going to teach … Continue reading →

Remember when your children with little babies? My children were littler than most, since they were born three (3) months premature. You are always watching out for their well-being. Wondering how are you going to teach them to take care of themselves in the world that we have created for ourselves. You figure that you have many years to provide with the wisdom and knowledge to prepare them for the outside world. As they start to grow from toddler to middle school age, your children listen and absorb what you have to offer as a sponge. Then at some point, that all changes. You try to determine what had a happened. You realize that you child has reached a millstone in their lives: Teenager. All of us who have children who have reached these years in life know what happens: Everything becomes an issue. The food that you buy, the clothes that you but for your children or the cell phone usage; all become a problem. It seems like any decision you make creates an issue for you child that you would never expect.

Another milestone arises when you child becomes of driving age. This becomes fraught with problems. Is your child ready to drive a car? Now, it is not your child who is affected. You need to be concerned for other drivers on the road. Just as the attention spans of teenagers are short and limited, this does not lend itself too good drivers. Distractions for teen age drivers are a real problem. You combine that with their limited driving experience, accidents will happen. They are inevitable.

How do you prevent the distractions? How do you protect your children? How do you protect other drivers who have no idea that the car behind may have teenage driver? The first thing to determine is what the distractions for teenage drivers are. AAA Traffic Safety Foundation found in a recent study that electronic devices such as cell phones are the leader in distractions for teenage drivers. Girls are more likely than boys to use electronic devices while driving. It can be twice as much. This should not be a surprise to parents of teenage girls.

How do you prevent an accident caused by distracted driving. Most states have instituted a graduated licensing program in order to assist new drivers in learning how to drive. New Jersey has one as well. These programs initially place many restrictions on new drivers and as they get older, the restrictions are removed. Some states, including New Jersey restrict using an electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Another response might be is to purchase a hands free device or some blue tooth technology to avoid the distraction. This would not solve the texting. Further, this would only mask the problem. You need to teach your children not use any electronic devices at all while driving.

There are many organizations that provide literature on how to discuss the use of electronic devices while driving with your children. Another option is to take away the electronic devices completely. As a parent of teenagers, this would not at all. The best advice is to keep a constant line of communication open with your children. Talk with them not at them about the hazards to driving while using an electronic device.

]]>http://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/teen-drivers-another-concern-for-parents/feed/0Don’t Get Stuck With A Big Ticket This Winterhttp://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/remove-before-you-go/
http://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/remove-before-you-go/#commentsTue, 24 Feb 2015 21:00:02 +0000http://www.ginarte.com/?p=16542The snowfall keeps accumulating, causing people to think that winter will never end. Shoveling driveways, cleaning off cars, wearing more layers and delays in commutes because of harsh conditions is beginning to seem like an everyday task. Some days cleaning … Continue reading →

]]>The snowfall keeps accumulating, causing people to think that winter will never end. Shoveling driveways, cleaning off cars, wearing more layers and delays in commutes because of harsh conditions is beginning to seem like an everyday task. Some days cleaning the snow off our cars might seem like an act that we do not need to do. However in the State of New Jersey it is required by law to remove the snow.

Ice & Snow – Remove It Before You Go

The state of New Jersey requires by law that all ice or snow is remove from your vehicle before driving. You will see cars on the road that only have the front and back windshield clear of snow or ice, this is not acceptable by law. All snow or ice must be removed from the vehicle to prevent damages or injuries to you or others.

Fines for failing to abide by this law can range from $25 – $75 dollars even though the snow or ice may not have dislodged from your car. If any snow or ice is dislodged from your car during your travels, causing property damage or injury to another motorists, you could potentially face fines of $200 to $1,000 dollars for each offense.

Per the State of New Jersey’s Department of Law & Public Safety there are approximately 500 fatalities in the United States each year due to icy road conditions. Clearing the snow off your car can help prevent the cause of an accident due to flying snow and ice. In the event of a snow or ice storm plan ahead to give yourself enough time to clear your car. Planning ahead and removing all snow or ice can help prevent accidents or injuries cause by flying snow or ice.

Below is a card that also provides some great tips for driving in the winter:

Also here is a short video created by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety concerning the removal of ice and snow before you go.

How Ginarte Can Help If You are in Crash Due To Snow or Ice

The first action in a car accident case is a full investigation, with the aim of discovering the actual cause of the crash. The Ginarte law firm frequently works with highly qualified accident investigators to accomplish that goal.

We take care of all of the details, including assisting our clients with obtaining medical care and alternative transportation, as well as working directly with the insurance company to recover the damages they deserve.

With over 150 years of combined experience, nearly 30 attorneys, and a 100-person staff of support personnel, we have taken service to the injured to a higher level. We take on cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will pay no legal fees unless we win for you.

]]>http://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/remove-before-you-go/feed/0Meet the Ginarte Staff: Giselle Velezhttp://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/meet-ginarte-staff-giselle-velez/
http://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/meet-ginarte-staff-giselle-velez/#commentsFri, 13 Feb 2015 17:25:36 +0000http://www.ginarte.com/?p=16388Welcome to another edition of “Meet the Ginarte Staff!” Last month we showcased an integral part of our Workers Compensation department, Madeline Thurman. This month we are heading across the Hudson to our Manhattan office. The staff member this month … Continue reading →

]]>Welcome to another edition of “Meet the Ginarte Staff!” Last month we showcased an integral part of our Workers Compensation department, Madeline Thurman. This month we are heading across the Hudson to our Manhattan office. The staff member this month is New York Branch manager, Giselle Velez.

Giselle is a Newark, New Jersey native from Puerto Rican descent. She has been with the Ginarte law firm for eleven years now, embracing the opportunity to work with and watch the firm’s growth, especially in New York. She has had the chance to witness the immense growth of the New York office from just three employees to a strong, knowledgeable legal team of 35 in a short period of time. Seeing this growth as well as becoming a manager of a branch office early in her career have been two of her proudest moments at Ginarte.

Founding partner Joseph Ginarte shared a quote with Giselle that has stuck with her and helped mold her into the manager that she is today; “Life is not a sprint. It’s a marathon.” She has taken this guidance and intertwined it in her role of branch manager. This task is not an easy one by any means; however Giselle uses her drive, compassion and positive mindset to oversee operations on a daily basis.

NY Office Manager Giselle Velez

Giselle’s experience in the legal field has helped her provide clients with the necessary legal assistance they need and deserve. Through the dedication she has to assisting the Ginarte clients, she is able to refine and help build up the staff, which is the most gratifying aspect of her job. Watching the staff excel and grow in their respective fields is a reward unlike any other. It is something that makes enforcing the procedures and protocols on a daily basis a task that is well worth it.

Spontaneous moments and finding the silver lining in every situation are just some of the personal rules Giselle lives by. She considers herself funny; however she has not received any confirmation or denial of this fact. She has stated she will continue to explore this to determine her true comical status.

When Giselle isn’t assisting the Ginarte clients, she enjoys finding ways to advance herself through self-help and career oriented books. Although times are tough in the New York sports world she is still a passionate fan of the Knicks, she might be the only one left, but still believes the good times are yet to come. Her go-to stress relievers consist of Zumba, tennis and volleyball. She has a few epic spikes that she is very proud of. These spikes are on video, continually replaying them for her closest friends or anyone else who will watch. When she is not active in the fitness world she also likes to donate her time to some great non-profit organizations. Giselle is actively involved in PAWS an organization built to be advocates for animals through the operation of a companion animal shelter, a wildlife center and an advocacy department. Along with PAWS she is also involved with bluevoice.org, an ocean conservation organization which helps protect the oceans while saving dolphins and whales.

Giselle Velez and Lauren Ginarte at the Ginarte Firm Christmas Party 2014

Family and close friends are held very near and dear to Giselle. They have always made it a point to support her throughout her life. They have respected the decisions she has made in her life, even during times they did not entirely agree, which means everything to her. A close second to what she can’t live without is Buffalo wings, which we are sure most people will agree with. As of late she has developed a hobby/hidden talent of creating figures and designs out of fruits and vegetables. She creates these designs in seasonal themes for birthdays and holidays for family and friends.

For her ultimate celebrity dinner party she provided a thought-provoking guest list. First on the list was Carl Sagan, mainly for her love of how he incorporates philosophy into his views of the physical universe. She is both captivated and blown away by his abilities. Next on the list is Mark Zuckerberg because of the work that he has done at such an early age and would love to hear his story in person. The final guest on the list would be Sigmund Freud. His crazy yet logical mindset is something that fascinates Giselle.

This bring this edition of “Meet the Ginarte Staff” to a close. Giselle is a major asset to the Ginarte team and has help build the New York team into what it is today. Her passion for helping and guiding is shown on a daily basis. We hope you enjoyed getting to know our New York branch manager Giselle Velez a little better.

]]>http://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/meet-ginarte-staff-giselle-velez/feed/0How To Stay Safe During The Winter Weatherhttp://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/stay-safe-winter-weather/
http://www.ginarte.com/2015/02/stay-safe-winter-weather/#commentsFri, 06 Feb 2015 18:32:32 +0000http://www.ginarte.com/?p=16375Severe weather can affect our daily activities during the winter months. Snowfall can make it difficult to see sideways and curbs when walking. Freezing rain and ice can turn a simple walk into a trip to the hospital because of … Continue reading →

Severe weather can affect our daily activities during the winter months. Snowfall can make it difficult to see sideways and curbs when walking. Freezing rain and ice can turn a simple walk into a trip to the hospital because of slippery and wet conditions. To help prevent any accidents during this time preparation is crucial.

Ways to potentially lower the risk of a slip and fall:

One way to help reduce the risk of an injury during the winter months is preparing for the weather. If there is snow or ice on the ground wearing the correct clothing and footwear is key. Wearing footwear that is specially designed for winter weather conditions can help prevent slips on snow or ice.

Being patient and providing yourself with plenty of time will also help lower the risk of injury. Being able to take your time when walking over ice or snow will help to reduce the chance a fall or slip occurring. When walking over ice or snow take slow and deliberate steps to ensure you are able to firmly plant your feet and continue walking. The hazards of these conditions do not appear strictly outdoors, the floors of buildings and other establishments can be hazardous as well from people walking in with wet or snowy footwear on. Stairs can also create an issue with safety during winter months. Stairs can easily become covered in snow and ice if not properly maintained. When using stairs hold onto a banister or railing can help maintain balance and stability when the stairs are covered in snow or ice. Taking shorter slower steps will help potentially lower the risk of an injury or fall on unfavorable terrain.

If you are walking knowing your surroundings and the potential terrain you will come across can potential help decrease the chance of an injury. If you know on a perfect day the path you have to walk on is unfavorable, finding a new safer route can help lower this risk. Do not be tempted by shortcuts as they might be covered in snow and ice. It may take some extra time to walk around the longer, safer way but it can help lower the risk of an injury.

Avoid carrying any items when walking in unfavorable conditions. This will not only help you see the path in front of you, it will also allow you to use your hands for balance. Carrying items can potentially cause distraction when walking.

One more way to avoid any injury is staying indoors until conditions improve. If you do not have to be outdoors do not risk it. By avoiding outdoor activities you drastically increase the chances of avoiding a slip and fall injury due to snow or ice. If a tasks that involves you to walk somewhere during these conditions, see if it can be rescheduled until the conditions are favorable.

In the event you do fall:

If a fall does occur, there are a few tasks you can do to protect yourself and help in the event any further action is needed. Filing an injury report with the property owner is important. At the time of the accident your injuries might not seem severe, however long-term issues may occur from this incident. By filing the injury report you are documenting that the incident happened.

Also, take note of the conditions of where you fell. Was there snow covering the sidewalk? Was there ice on the stairs? All information about the conditions of the location can be beneficial if you decide to take further action after the incident. If there are any witnesses that were around the area when you were injured, take down their names and contact information.

Most importantly, have a medical professional examine you for the possibility of a long-term or serious injury. They will be able to provide you with the best results on how to treat any possible injuries you may incur.

During this time of year there are weather conditions that can make walking to a destination difficult. Preparing yourself for these conditions and taking the necessary actions can help potentially prevent an injury from a slip and fall. However, some injuries are unavoidable so following the proper steps after the accident has occurred is essential.

Helping those in need is something that Ginarte O’Dwyer Gonzalez Gallardo & Winograd, LLP personal injury attorneys firmly believe in. We are always giving back to charities or donating our time to an amazing cause. The month of January is no different. Around this time of year people are receiving gifts from the holidays and starting new habits at the start of the new year. A common gift during this time is clothing; family and friends give new clothes to their loved ones. We decided to help who may not be as lucky to receive new clothes during this time.

Image of Ginarte Law Clothing Drive

We asked all of our personal injury attorneys and legal staff members to clean out there closets, look through those storage bins, clean out the attic and donate the clothes they no longer wear to those who are less fortunate. The clothing drive ran the full month of January so we could get a large donation amount to provide the Salvation Army with.

The clothing drive was embraced with open arms, with our personal injury attorneys and staff members bringing in old tuxedos, suits, women’s dress clothes, nice shoes, as well as a large amount of kids clothing. These donations will help the less fortunate during a time when the weather is colder, allowing them to add that extra layer that may help them get through these cold nights.

Newark Salvation Army

Here, at Ginarte Law Firm we decided to use the clothes gathered from our clothing drive should be donated to the Newark, NJ Salvation Army’s Rehabilitation Center. This program helps those who are in need get back on the right track to rebuilding their lives. The program helps provide adults with a safe community and place to start over after their troubled pasts.

We decided this would be the perfect place to donate to, since our firm is built on helping those who are less fortunate. The program as well as our values worked hand in hand, making it an almost perfect fit for the clothing drive.

Image of Ginarte Law Clothing Drive

Although our attorneys and staff members may never see the faces who have benefitted from donated and vice versa, knowing that these clothes will get a new found use is all the joy we need. Knowing that these clothes could help give someone a new lease on life is a benefit that could not be felt by any other action.

One of our missions here at Ginarte Law Firm is to always give back to the community whenever we possibly can. Our staff is always encouraging new charities or community service projects to use their time to promote as much good as possible. Each month at Ginarte we have a new community outreach program where we try to give our time, or donations to a different charity/cause to help those who are less fortunate.

]]>http://www.ginarte.com/2015/01/ginarte-clothing-drive-help-less-fortunate/feed/07 Ways to Being A Safe Driver in 2015http://www.ginarte.com/2015/01/7-ways-safe-driver-2015/
http://www.ginarte.com/2015/01/7-ways-safe-driver-2015/#commentsWed, 14 Jan 2015 15:31:59 +0000http://www.ginarte.com/?p=16301The new year has begun! Everyone has put 2014 in the books and wants to start 2015 off right. Whether it is to get rid of an old habit, improving an existing habit or making a change to increase healthy … Continue reading →

]]>The new year has begun! Everyone has put 2014 in the books and wants to start 2015 off right. Whether it is to get rid of an old habit, improving an existing habit or making a change to increase healthy living, everyone makes a new year’s resolution. At Ginarte we would like to challenge everyone to take part in our New Year’s Resolution, by becoming a safer driver in 2015.

With the increase in technology, driving has become more of a secondary task when we are in our cars. Becoming more aware and focused on driving should be our only goal when we are in the driver’s seat. Getting from point A to point B safely and efficiently is a new year’s resolution everyone can partake in. Below we have listed 7 ways to being a safer driver in the year 2015.

Tip #1: Obey Traffic Laws.

This one should be a no brainer; however we see this tip not being followed all the time. When you are traveling try to research the traffic laws of an unfamiliar area or refresh yourself on the laws of your commonly travels roads. By having a full understanding of the traffic laws during your journey, you can make the road safer.

Tip #2: Keep Your Vehicle Safe.

While understanding the traffic laws of the roads you are traveling is very important, so is operating a vehicle in proper running condition. Making sure you have a sufficient amount of tread on your tire will help during unsafe weather conditions. Rain, snow or ice can cause unsafe conditions when driving on tires with minimum tread.

Another tip for keeping a vehicle safe is making sure all running lights are working properly. Headlights will help to make the road you are traveling on visible. When traveling at night or weather conditions that can cause the visibility to be limited, the use of lights has the possibility of improving the situation. Ensuring the car’s taillights and break lights are working properly is also beneficial. This will help other drivers know that you are stepping on your break peddle to slow down so they can react accordingly. These are a just a few items to check for proper vehicle safety. There are many other items that should be inspected and checked to ensure they are in proper operation status.

Tip #3: Practice Defensive Driving.

Practicing defensive driving tactics is another way to becoming a safe driver in 2015. There are several government agencies, private schools and nonprofit organizations that offer courses that can improve your driving skills. These courses can help improve your driving skills in a variety of areas. Defensive driving will help you learn the ways of anticipating dangerous situations as well as mastering the rules of the road and basic mechanics of driving.

Although the actions of other drivers cannot be controlled, you can put yourself in a position to drive safely and follow the traffic laws by taking one of the many familiar courses that are offered.

Tip #4: Leave Extra Time When Traveling in Bad Weather.

Providing extra time when driving in bad weather can help you towards obtaining the goal of becoming a safe driver in 2015. By leaving ample time to arrive at your destination you can eliminate the urge to speed or drive aggressively, especially when the conditions are unfavorable. Adding extra travel time can help allot for delays due to traffic, an accident on the road or inclement weather conditions. The worse the conditions are, a larger amount of extra travel time should be calculated.

Tip #5: Wear A Seatbelt.

Seatbelts in cars are meant to protect lives. Safely strapping yourself in will help keep you safe in the event that you are in an accident. When driving a car, although it might not feel like it but any person in that car is traveling at the same speed. When the car is brought to an abrupt halt the body will continue to travel at the previous speed unless strapped in correctly, especially at higher speeds. By wearing a safety belt you decrease the risk of moving around the cabin of the car in the event an accident occurs.

Tip #6: Do Not Speed.

Each road that you travel has a specific speed limit that has been determined to be appropriate and safe. These limits are usually posted on signage located near the sides of the road, sometimes including minimum speed limits, maximum speed limits, night speed limits or even truck speed limits. Traveling below the maximum speeds limit improves your chances of arriving at your destination safely as you are driving within the traffic safety laws for those roadways. Always be aware of the speed limits as in some cases speed limits can change even though you are on the same street. For example some streets can have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour in one section and 25 miles per hour in another section. This is commonly seen on roads that are located near schools as it helps increase the safety of area students walking and crossing streets.

Tip #7: Do Not Drink and Drive.

“Stay Alive, Don’t Drink and Drive” “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” are some of the commercials/slogans that are publicized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Driving intoxicated can impair a person’s judgment, which can potentially lead to an accident, sometime being fatal. By choosing not to drive after indulging in alcoholic beverages will help keep the roadways safer. There are many other options besides having a person who is impaired get behind the wheel.

That concludes our post on how to become a safe driver in 2015. These tips can improve the amount of safe drivers on the road and help lower the chance of an accident. Abiding by the traffic laws and preparing yourself for travel can keep the roads safe.

Did you find these tips useful? Share them with your friends or family members. Send them the link or add the link to your social media page. Let us know what you thought! You can also follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook and add us to your circles on Google Plus to keep the conversation going on how to become a safer driver in 2015.

]]>http://www.ginarte.com/2015/01/7-ways-safe-driver-2015/feed/0Meet the Ginarte Staff: Madeline Thurmanhttp://www.ginarte.com/2015/01/meet-ginarte-staff-madeline-thurman/
http://www.ginarte.com/2015/01/meet-ginarte-staff-madeline-thurman/#commentsFri, 02 Jan 2015 18:14:31 +0000http://www.ginarte.com/?p=16277Here at the Ginarte Law Firm, we want our clients and visitors to feel comfortable and be able to relate to our attorneys and staff members. That is why starting this month we are going to introduce a new member … Continue reading →

This is an image of Madeline Thurman from the Workers Compensation Department at Ginarte, O’Dwyer, Gonzalez, Gallardo & Winograd, LLP

Here at the Ginarte Law Firm, we want our clients and visitors to feel comfortable and be able to relate to our attorneys and staff members. That is why starting this month we are going to introduce a new member of our Ginarte family each month. We will highlight our wonderful staff and give you a little insight into their lives. Madeline Thurman from our workers compensation department is our first staff member interview.

Madeline has been with our firm for 11 years and we cherish every minute of it. She is very energetic and outgoing person that brings the joy out in everyone. Charitable work and volunteering is one of Madeline’s passions. She is very involved with her church outside of the Ginarte Law Firm. She is one of the Police Chaplains for Perth Amboy, one of the reverends and secretary for her church (Abundant Life Worship Center of Perth Amboy) and the coordinator of a recovery group. She’s also a mentor for the Edna Mayhem Correctional Facility and helps spread the gospel at the Hudson County Correctional Facility. Madeline is always one of the first people at the firm to help when we have a community project such as our canned food drive where she helped donate in more than 300 lbs. of the 950 lbs. we donated.

We asked Madeline about when she started here at Ginarte, which lead to a very interesting story of how she was applying for the job. She had prior work experience at other law firms and was looking to move in a new direction. With the help of her son’s fax machine she began sending out resume after resume. In an effort to stand out from the crowd and the rest of the people sending their resumes, she would fax over hers at midnight the night before. She did this because she wanted her resume to be the first one they saw in the morning. This turned out to be very beneficial in her coming to the Ginarte Law Firm.

Madeline is happily married to her husband, Kevin Thurman, for 11 years. She is inspired by her grandkids and wants nothing but the best for them. Madeline is a very family and religiously oriented person, which shows in her passion to make everyone around her better.

She loves the journey of life, experiencing and embracing both the good times as well as the bad times. Life is all about the journey and “experiencing the wars” while still pushing through them to see the brighter side of life. Her personal encounter with God has brought her to be the person she is today, helping her get better, not bitter.

Madeline was born in Puerto Rico and came over to America when she was six months old. She was raised in Newark and grew up in the 7th Avenue projects, which are no longer standing. Although Newark is where Madeline grew up she would love to travel. Israel is the first place she would like to go. Seeing the path that Jesus walked down and re-living what he went through. She is interested in stopping by all the landmark spots on his life journey would be a dream for her. Next on the list of places to travel would be a cruise around the Caribbean to enjoy the weather.

Joseph Ginarte, Esq., Ada Sebasco, Anjuli Ruiz and Michael Gallardo are some of the people from the firm who inspire Madeline. She sees Joseph Ginarte for the great man and leader that he is. She is grateful for his ability to build the Ginarte Law Firm to what it is today so that we can continue to help people in need and change their outlook on life. Madeline is also amazed at the composure that Ada has. Ada’s ability to stay calm when interacting with the different personalities of our firm is something that inspires Madeline.

Madeline has had the honor of not only watching Anjuli Ruiz grow into her position into this firm but also uniting her into Holy Matrimony with her Newlywed Husband, Josean Colina. Madeline loves the way the Lord has brought her at such a young age to a position of assistant administrator of such a great firm.

As well as, Michael Gallardo who he started in 2003 and how she watched him grow into his position of partnership with such wisdom and tenacious indwelling. It’s been an honor to watch the growth of this firm with the beauty of people personalities and character. Everything and everyone is connected in one way or another.

Since Madeline joined our firms 11 years ago, she always make a conscience effort to meet with Joseph Ginarte, and say a prayer to bless the firm both for the wonderful year we just had and for an even better upcoming new year. Madeline is a great piece in the Ginarte family and we are happy to have her here with us. She makes everyone smile with her positivity and uplifting attitude.

Madeline works in our Newark office, so if you are coming there for an appointment or your initial consultation do not hesitate to say “hi” to Madeline she will be more than happy to meet you. We hope you enjoyed learning about Madeline Thurman from our Workers Compensation department. Stay tuned for more legal professional interviews as we will highlight another member in the upcoming month.

]]>http://www.ginarte.com/2015/01/meet-ginarte-staff-madeline-thurman/feed/0Christmas trees: A time for celebration or a requiem for disaster?http://www.ginarte.com/2014/12/christmas-trees-time-celebration-requiem-disaster/
http://www.ginarte.com/2014/12/christmas-trees-time-celebration-requiem-disaster/#commentsWed, 24 Dec 2014 18:29:25 +0000http://www.ginarte.com/?p=16127By: Bruno K. Brunini, Esq. The Holidays are upon us. Gift giving; gift buying; and holiday decorations. These are all part of the Holiday spirit. The last thing you want to deal with is a tragic event such as a … Continue reading →

The Holidays are upon us. Gift giving; gift buying; and holiday decorations. These are all part of the Holiday spirit. The last thing you want to deal with is a tragic event such as a fire. Whether you use a real tree or an artificial tree, the danger of fire can be real, unless you take the necessary steps to prevent them. A fire can change the Holidays from a HO HO affair to an OH OH affair or even a How did that happen, affair? The last thing that anyone wants is to wake up to the below event, a fire involving your Christmas tree:

Christmas Tree catching fire

First we need to determine the common causes of Christmas tree fires. According to the National Fire Protection association, these are the common causes:

1) Electrical failures or malfunctions were involved in one-third (32%) of the home Christmas tree structure fires.

2) One in six (17%) occurred because some type of heat source was too close to the tree.

3) Decorative lights on line voltage were involved in 12% of these incidents.

4) 7% percent of home Christmas tree fires were started by candles.

Now that we know the causes, below are some ways to prevent Christmas tree fires.

Fire Safety and your Tree

We hope this blog made you a little safer this Holiday Season. Happy Holidays & Happy New Year to you and your family.

]]>http://www.ginarte.com/2014/12/christmas-trees-time-celebration-requiem-disaster/feed/0Ginarte Donates 950 lbs. to Community Foodbank of New Jerseyhttp://www.ginarte.com/2014/12/ginarte-donates-950-lbs-community-foodbank-new-jersey/
http://www.ginarte.com/2014/12/ginarte-donates-950-lbs-community-foodbank-new-jersey/#commentsWed, 24 Dec 2014 18:14:21 +0000http://www.ginarte.com/?p=16124By: Ronald J. Morgan, Esq. Here at Ginarte, we are very proud of our strong tradition of giving back to the community. This November, we continued that tradition by donating canned goods to the Community Foodbank of New Jersey during … Continue reading →

Here at Ginarte, we are very proud of our strong tradition of giving back to the community. This November, we continued that tradition by donating canned goods to the Community Foodbank of New Jersey during our Ginarte Food Drive.

Ginarte employees came together to shatter our goal for donations. At the outset of November, we set out to donate 750 pounds of food to the Community Foodbank. At the completion of the drive, we donated over 950 pounds of variety of canned food, pasta, beans, rice, and other non-perishable foods.

The Community Foodbank of New Jersey supplies food to feeding programs at some 1,500 non-profit charities in 18 New Jersey Counties. The charities include soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, smaller foodbanks, after school programs and senior centers among others. Many of those who are helped require temporary assistance – a hand up due to a sudden illness, a loss of a job, or some other catastrophe. Others, because of their circumstances, will always require assistance. The Community Foodbank of New Jersey is currently helping to feed over 900,000 NJ residents each year. If you would like more information about the Community Foodbank of New Jersey you can go to www.cfbnj.org

We are ecstatic that we were able to give to the less fortunate. In addition to the food drive, the Ginarte firm most recently participated in a toys for tots campaign to donate toys to underprivileged children over the holidays.

From our Ginarte family to yours, we would like to wish you happy and safe holidays.

]]>http://www.ginarte.com/2014/12/ginarte-donates-950-lbs-community-foodbank-new-jersey/feed/0Tips for Safe Driving When Winter Weather Hitshttp://www.ginarte.com/2014/12/tips-safe-driving-winter-weather-hits/
http://www.ginarte.com/2014/12/tips-safe-driving-winter-weather-hits/#commentsTue, 23 Dec 2014 16:30:53 +0000http://www.ginarte.com/?p=16121It is crucial to fully understand how to operate a vehicle in freezing rain, snow and sleet if you plan to travel in the New York and New Jersey metro area this winter. Here are some important driving safety tips … Continue reading →

]]>It is crucial to fully understand how to operate a vehicle in freezing rain, snow and sleet if you plan to travel in the New York and New Jersey metro area this winter. Here are some important driving safety tips that could protect you and your family.

One of the best ways to avoid a car accident in winter weather is to make sure your equipment is up to the task before the frozen precipitation hits the ground. For example, be sure your car’s tires have plenty of tread and are properly inflated. Check that all lights are clean and in good working order, and make sure that windshield wipers and the defroster and heat all work as they should. Keep your tank full of gas, be sure to have plenty of washer fluid and make sure the anti-freeze in the radiator is ready for cold temperatures.

Even if your car is fully prepared, driving in icy or snowy conditions is still much different from driving in warmer weather. If you are unfamiliar with driving in snow and ice, it is important that you practice. If you have a young driver in the family, take the time to teach him or her winter driving techniques. Practice these techniques in an empty parking lot so you gain familiarity with how your vehicle responds on snow and ice.

The safest way to avoid a winter car accident is to stay put when inclement weather strikes. Of course, that is not an option for everyone at all times. If you must venture out, keep these tips in mind:

Maintain a much longer following distance between your vehicle and the traffic ahead, since stopping distances are much longer on slick surfaces. If another car is following you too closely, pull over and let the vehicle pass you.

If your car starts to skid, steer toward the direction you want the car to go.

Braking is different on snow and ice. Know whether your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes (most cars built in the past 15 years have them). You should stomp on anti-lock brakes as hard as possible to stop without skidding. If your car lacks anti-lock brakes, you should pump the pedal to avoid brake lockup and a skid.

Slow down. On snow and ice, it is imperative that you drive slowly. Accelerate, brake and steer gently to avoid skidding. Remember that four-wheel drive may help keep you from getting stuck, but it doesn’t make you invincible. Even four-wheel-drive vehicles can skid, spin out or roll over.

Turn on your headlights, even during the day. Your lights will help other motorists see your vehicle. Be sure to keep your lights clear of snow, ice and salt spray.

Keep your cool. Although winter driving can be very stressful, panic can cause drivers to overcorrect or take abrupt actions that could actually cause a car crash.

Plan your route carefully in advance. If you are travelling through an isolated area, be aware that this is risky as there are fewer vehicles, it takes longer to get help and road conditions may be worse. There is also the risk of no service for cell phones. Use more heavily travelled routes when possible.

If you have a breakdown or accident and need to stay warm, clear the area around the tail pipe before you turn on the engine and heater while stopped. This is urgent, as you could become a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning and die if this toxic substance enters your vehicle.

Never drink and drive – at any time of year.

You may be a seasoned winter weather driver, but others on the road may not be as experienced and safe as you. These other drivers could put you and your loved ones in danger. If you have been involved in a crash that was caused by another driver’s negligence, be sure to get legal help from a qualified personal injury attorney.